Aero? Simmons Bilt? Looking for my "Forever Leather Jacket"

[Carlos840]

@Carlos840
I see a 100 pages of mall jackets with a few decent leather jackets here and there.

Maybe the problem isn't Schott but your searching method...

 

[torfjord]

I've handled quite a few in various shops in Europe, never bought one.
Enjoy the view:
https://www.vinted.fr/vetements?catalog[]=2052&brand_id[]=3799

Honestly I'm a bit surprised by the response. Like I'm violating some kind of holy truth that can't be touched. In your eyes maybe only the incredible American Schott exists. I have experience with the European production. In my eyes they both exist and are both "Schott" products. I think we can say US Schott = good, EU Schott = bad and leave it at that.

Literally on the first page of your search this turned up: https://www.vinted.fr/hommes/veteme...en-cuir-marque-schott-couleur-marron-taille-m

Looking pretty damn good if you ask me.

Stop bashing Schott, you haven't got the slightest clue what you are talking about. Are there better jackets out there? Yes, probably. Personally, I prefer Thedi. But Schott makes a damn fine product, and their pattern comfort and mobility far outperforms Aero. I would rate Schott way higher than Aero in every aspect that counts. I currently don't own a Schott but if the right deal came along I would not hesitate. Not a fan of the longer lengths on many of their current Perfecto models, but for us purists there is always the 618.

 

[Pandemic]

Getting back to the OP, I’ll say something positive about SB:

Wide selection of hides available and some interesting ones you won’t find at other places.

Less ethical customs declarations - they will undervalue their product so you don’t pay any import duties.

Aero, well, I have nothing but great things to say about them. Amazing QC and commitment to delivering what the customer wants. I do see issues with the ‘Aero shoulder/neck’ in some patterns, but this only seems to affect comfort/wearability in a small subset of people who experience this.

 

[Tom71]

Back to the OP:

You have now read six pages of advice, and I bet you are thoroughly confused....

May this come as a very small piece of consolation: Many moons ago, I searched for my "forever jacket" and after long deliberations, I ended up choosing an Aero Board Racer in heavy CXL FQHH. I was lucky enough to get sized by Aero´s stockist in Cologne, so I was more or less reolaxed i.r.o. any major sizing flaws.
The jacket turned out great, better than I ever envisaged and WAY better than any of the ("mall") jacket I had handled previously (including the odd "Schott", I have to say). I wore and enjoyed it for many years until I grew out of it and moved it along to a fellow-lounger.

I guess, what I want to get across to you: you have done some research, and you ended up with Aero and SB for your own reasons. All of the suggestions received over the last days are very sound pieces of advice. But they are not more relevant or "true" than your reasons for ending up with the two. Both companies make a great jacket, and working closely with them (or Thirtson Bros., if you go "Aero") will get you a jacket to your liking.

 

[Mark]

Back to the OP:

You have now read six pages of advice, and I bet you are thoroughly confused....

May this come as a very small piece of consolation: Many moons ago, I searched for my "forever jacket" and after long deliberations, I ended up choosing an Aero Board Racer in heavy CXL FQHH. I was lucky enough to get sized by Aero´s stockist in Cologne, so I was more or less reolaxed i.r.o. any major sizing flaws.
The jacket turned out great, better than I ever envisaged and WAY better than any of the ("mall") jacket I had handled previously (including the odd "Schott", I have to say). I wore and enjoyed it for many years until I grew out of it and moved it along to a fellow-lounger.

I guess, what I want to get across to you: you have done some research, and you ended up with Aero and SB for your own reasons. All of the suggestions received over the last days are very sound pieces of advice. But they are not more relevant or "true" than your reasons for ending up with the two. Both companies make a great jacket, and working closely with them (or Thirtson Bros., if you go "Aero") will get you a jacket to your liking.

I second this. I have jackets from both, they both make great jackets and polotics aside they are both lovely people to deal with. Get what you like and listen to their advice on fit/sizing.

 

[Brandrea33]

Back to the OP:

You have now read six pages of advice, and I bet you are thoroughly confused....

May this come as a very small piece of consolation: Many moons ago, I searched for my "forever jacket" and after long deliberations, I ended up choosing an Aero Board Racer in heavy CXL FQHH. I was lucky enough to get sized by Aero´s stockist in Cologne, so I was more or less reolaxed i.r.o. any major sizing flaws.
The jacket turned out great, better than I ever envisaged and WAY better than any of the ("mall") jacket I had handled previously (including the odd "Schott", I have to say). I wore and enjoyed it for many years until I grew out of it and moved it along to a fellow-lounger.

I guess, what I want to get across to you: you have done some research, and you ended up with Aero and SB for your own reasons. All of the suggestions received over the last days are very sound pieces of advice. But they are not more relevant or "true" than your reasons for ending up with the two. Both companies make a great jacket, and working closely with them (or Thirtson Bros., if you go "Aero") will get you a jacket to your liking.

A very thoughtful reply Thomas, I’m certain the OP appreciates it.

 

[jacketjunkie]

I‘ll agree with what many here have said, your best choice of action here is to buy a Schott if it is OTR or a Johnson Leathers SF if custom. Best product for the money in their categories. Good selection of leathers, comfortable patterns. Honestly, trust what a majority of very experienced members here have said, buy a Schott as first jacket. Reserve the custom JL route for the second one when you have learned what works for you and what doesn‘t.

Vanson is great, probably my favourite brand but their sleeves are fairly long and you are quite short so I am not sure they would work for you. They do offer a great „reduced“ biker jacket though, the Renegade jacket in deer tanned cowhide (much better entry hide than their harder wearing compweight).


Last, I will second the opinion you should probably wait out until you have reached your desired weight. From my personal experience, every 10 lbs I lost or gained was pretty much one size difference. So if you buy now, drop 30 or even 50 lbs over the next 6 months, you will be wearing a jacket 3-5 sizes too large in summer.

 

[3.14nche]

Try this one and report back about the quality of Schott.

You'd be hard pressed to find a better jacket for €450

https://www.vinted.nl/heren/kleding...otor-en-racejassen/2494312113-perfecto-schott View attachment 474510

thanks for posting this one
that'll be my birthday present

 

[trainspotter]

Literally on the first page of your search this turned up: https://www.vinted.fr/hommes/veteme...en-cuir-marque-schott-couleur-marron-taille-m

Looking pretty damn good if you ask me.

Stop bashing Schott, you haven't got the slightest clue what you are talking about. Are there better jackets out there? Yes, probably. Personally, I prefer Thedi. But Schott makes a damn fine product, and their pattern comfort and mobility far outperforms Aero. I would rate Schott way higher than Aero in every aspect that counts. I currently don't own a Schott but if the right deal came along I would not hesitate. Not a fan of the longer lengths on many of their current Perfecto models, but for us purists there is always the 618.

View attachment 474512

Completely agree. I have handled quite a lot of jackets but the Schott x Context 113 is easily the best I have. Aero doesn't come close in terms of comfort. If my preferred leather was available(CXL horsehide), I will always buy Schott, probably over any other maker

 

[Aloysius]

Like I said several times, I think there are fine Schott jackets out there, especially used / older ones. I don't know enough about Schott at the moment to distinguish easily. But I have a distaste for the brand itself for the reasons I mentioned and therefore don't have motivation to spend my time researching the nuances that would help me identify gems. If I would come across something that I really liked in my size I would spend my time on that research, ask around in this forum. But for now my time is better spent elsewhere.
And yes, I do think disregarding NEW Schott jackets altogether is good way of doing things, for the reasons I mentioned. But it's rather a matter of values / principle, not so much a comment on the quality of their high end stuff.

This is honestly kind of amazing. You made a thread about your interest in Simmons Bilt, whose entire business is built on stolen patterns, and thought it was silly that people considered there to be an ethical issue at play. Yet you consider Schott to be a violation of moral values… because they licensed their name?

For all we know, Schott expected their European licensee would behave like Lewis Japan, Aero Japan, or Schott Japan which will release some additional products not made by the original company, but of high quality and keeping with the spirit of the mark. And in any case this isn’t some kind of ethical issue.

Furthermore the insinuation that “NEW” Schott is bad and old Schott is good is also weird. I have a 60s and 2021 Perfecto next to me. The 2021 is better made in every respect.

Enjoy the view:
https://www.vinted.fr/vetements?catalog[]=2052&brand_id[]=3799

Honestly I'm a bit surprised by the response. Like I'm violating some kind of holy truth that can't be touched.

I clicked it. Loads of classic American made jackets and a few ugly and obvious LC Schotts.

On the contrary, this forum used to be an anti-Schott circlejerk at times, much like your attitude. It took people like Carlos and Monitor to slay that holy cow.

 

[trainspotter]

I also loved the Vanson Commando in terms of comfort & Fit, but the leather(X150) didn't appeal to me much

 

[TartuWolf]

@Aloysius
Yes, I think you and the others already made your point and slew this holy cow very successfully.
Once again, I APOLOGIZE for expressing my ill-informed and naïve opinion out loud. MY BAD and MY WRONG.
Obviously you guys know more / better and you are right.
Please stop beating this foolish dead cow.

 

[Chilliwack]

Aaaaaaaaanyway.....

Thank you all very much for the feedback! This is all very very helpful, I have a lot of really great information to consider now. Perhaps this might help, here's a photo of myself trying on a jacket at the local leather jacket shop. Gives a better idea of my body shape.

Sorry if I look a bit dumpy. It's -40 Celsius out. And the lady at the store was VERY short, so I couldn't get a flattering angle. And like I said. I need to loose quite a bit of weight. But, I AM making progress. I know because last time I went to this place, I couldn't even get the XXL jackets zipped up. But now I can!

 

[JMax]

That white haired old man is the leather jacket master himself, Theodoros. He turned 65 last week. I'd be happy if I look half as cool as he does when I reach that age. The man has charisma!

View attachment 474492

Seriously, there is some resemblance there. He could be your pappy. Great photo.

 

[navetsea]

Aaaaaaaaanyway.....

Thank you all very much for the feedback! This is all very very helpful, I have a lot of really great information to consider now. Perhaps this might help, here's a photo of myself trying on a jacket at the local leather jacket shop. Gives a better idea of my body shape.

Sorry if I look a bit dumpy. It's -40 Celsius out. And the lady at the store was VERY short, so I couldn't get a flattering angle. And like I said. I need to loose quite a bit of weight. But, I AM making progress. I know because last time I went to this place, I couldn't even get the XXL jackets zipped up. But now I can!

when later you lose weight , you then probably wear your pants higher on your waist, and so you can get much shorter jacket, true that jacket cover your belt, but it doesn't help with the overall proportion, if your torso is on the long side and leg on the shorter side, then you better have a jacket that a bit exposing your belt rather than a jacket that correctly cover your belt but end up looking too long for your proportion.

 

[Carlos840]

Aaaaaaaaanyway.....

Thank you all very much for the feedback! This is all very very helpful, I have a lot of really great information to consider now. Perhaps this might help, here's a photo of myself trying on a jacket at the local leather jacket shop. Gives a better idea of my body shape.

Sorry if I look a bit dumpy. It's -40 Celsius out. And the lady at the store was VERY short, so I couldn't get a flattering angle. And like I said. I need to loose quite a bit of weight. But, I AM making progress. I know because last time I went to this place, I couldn't even get the XXL jackets zipped up. But now I can!

That jacket currently "works" because of your current weight.
You can see the front finishes just where it should, but the back is a good three inches too long.
I think this is happening because currently your stomach is filling in that jacket, once you loose weight the front will fall lower and look too long like the back. The arms are also on the long side...
I think your target body length will be much shorter than you think once you have lost the weight.

To me that reinforces the notion of waiting untill you have reached your target weight before ordering that new jacket you want.

I also agree with Navetsea that with your torso to leg proportions you should be looking at a shorter jacket.

 

[Chilliwack]

when later you lose weight , you then probably wear your pants higher on your waist, and so you can get much shorter jacket, true that jacket cover your belt, but it doesn't help with the overall proportion, if your torso is on the long side and leg on the shorter side, then you better have a jacket that a bit exposing your belt rather than a jacket that correctly cover your belt but end up looking too long for your proportion.

Mmmm. Yeah. That is one of the big problems having a big belly. It pushes your damn PANTS down. Makes the proportions look even odder. And yeah that all makes sense.

 

[Chilliwack]

That jacket currently "works" because of your current weight.
You can see the front finishes just where it should, but the back is a good three inches too long.
I think this is happening because currently your stomach is filling in that jacket, once you loose weight the front will fall lower and look too long like the back. The arms are also on the long side...
I think your target body length will be much shorter than you think once you have lost the weight.

To me that reinforces the notion of waiting untill you have reached your target weight before ordering that new jacket you want.

I also agree with Navetsea that with your torso to leg proportions you should be looking at a shorter jacket.

Mhm, mhm. Right.
Really, that always was the plan. Lose the pounds before I buy an expensive jacket.
Help me! I am an XL man trapped in an XXL body! ;v;

 

[Jasonissm]

On the topic of weight loss, how many sizes can you go really down? Specifically, if you have broad shoulders naturally, wouldn't that stay relatively close regardless of weight (unless you pack lot of muscle on the delts)?

I was wondering that myself because I'm in the middle of losing some weight but I feel like a size 44 on the shoulders still usually feels "right" for me.

Cheers!

 

[Carlos840]

On the topic of weight loss, how many sizes can you go really down? Specifically, if you have broad shoulders naturally, wouldn't that stay relatively close regardless of weight (unless you pack lot of muscle on the delts)?

I was wondering that myself because I'm in the middle of losing some weight but I feel like a size 44 on the shoulders still usually feels "right" for me.

Cheers!

I think it depends how you carry your weight.
When i bought most of my jackets i was around 78kg/171lb, i am now closer to 88kg/195Lb and all but a couple that where already on the tight side still fit me perfectly fine. But, i really spread the weight all over my body.
For me 20lb doesn't make a difference in how things fit on my upper body, but i know that's not how every body works.